Distinguished guests, dear friends of the National Italian American Foundation, buonasera! It is a true pleasure to be able to address you on the occasion of the 51st Anniversary Gala.
This year is an especially meaningful one. As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence, we also cherish the profound contribution that Italian Americans have made to the founding, growth, and success of this great Nation since the very beginning with Filippo Mazzei and his influence on Thomas Jefferson.
